BRUNSWICK

1. First of all, please give us a brief history of Androscoggin Bank.

Androscoggin County Savings Bank took its first deposit on April 4, 1870. The bank was the brainchild of a group of Lewiston residents who saw a need for a deposit bank which focused on individuals and small businesses. At that time, most banks focused on industry and large businesses.

Through the years, that focus on individuals and small business has not waned. Androscoggin has also prioritized the safety and security of our depositors. In fact, we were one of the first banks to reopen after the mandatory bank holiday during the Great Recession — a testament to the bank’s pristine business practices. We also refused to accept TARP bailout funds from the federal government in 2008, because we didn’t need them.

Today, our bank is among the strongest in the state. Our clients and employees know that banking with Androscoggin is truly smarter banking.

2. What’s makes Androscoggin Bank so special?

As a mutually-held, community based bank, Androscoggin values what our clients and community members value — honesty, local decisions, community impact and providing sage, sound advice when it’s needed.

One’s financial health is among the most intimate topics you can discuss. At Androscoggin, our people are always looking for ways to enhance our clients’ financial performance — because we know that our client relationships are the foundation on which the bank stands.

3. How is the bank involved with the communities it serves?

One of Androscoggin Bank’s top strategic initiatives is focused on community impact. And it’s not just based on dollars donated, but also revolves around employee participation.

Every bank employee has the opportunity to use four paid hours per quarter for volunteer time at a qualifying nonprofit organization. The bank also makes it easy to participate in other ways — whether it’s running or walking in the Run for Independence on May 15 in Brunswick or building an inner-city playground in Auburn with the United Way or serving food at an elementary after-school program in Lewiston.

4. Among your bank branches, you have two offices in Brunswick and one in Lisbon Falls. What is the contact information for these facilities if someone would like to become a customer of your bank and access your services?

While we do have very convenient branch locations and hours, it’s also true that with the advent of online, mobile and ATM banking, you don’t necessarily need a branch in your backyard.

That being said, when you come to an Androscoggin Bank location, you’ll experience some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable bankers in the business.

If you are a business owner in the Midcoast, you can certainly call me at (207) 518-6315 or email mknutson@androscogginbank.com. For banking services geared toward individuals, call our Maine Street Brunswick location at (207) 729- 1661, our Cook’s Corner location at (207) 729-5128 or our Lisbon Falls location at (207) 353- 3140. Visit our website — www.androscogginbank.com — to find addresses and you can even live chat with client service representatives.

5. Is there anything else you would like to add? Are there any particular services your bank is pushing at the moment?

As the commercial loan officer in the Midcoast region, it is my responsibility to understand each business individually and help small business owners find the financing that fits their needs. Whether a business is looking to purchase real estate, add equipment, or expand its production, Androscoggin has the products and resources to meet each business owners financing needs.

Ask about our popular 100% Equipment Financing Program, which provides much-needed capital for those businesses that qualify.

Up next?

• WOULD YOU — as a business owner or employee — like to participate in The Times Record business feature 5 Questions? It’s easy and it’s free. If so, please send an email to Patrick Gabrion at pgabrion@timesrecord.com. Thank you.